New Delhi, July 29, 2025 – India’s tiger population has reached a remarkable 3,682, a significant rise from 1,411 in 2006, according to the latest National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) census released on International Tiger Day. This milestone underscores the success of Project Tiger, a flagship conservation initiative launched in 1973, which has expanded to 58 tiger reserves across 18 states, positioning India as home to approximately 75% of the world’s wild tiger population. Despite ongoing challenges like poaching and habitat loss, India’s efforts offer a global model for wildlife preservation.

Project Tiger: A Conservation Triumph

Initiated by the Government of India in collaboration with the World Wildlife Fund (WWF), Project Tiger was established to counter the alarming decline in tiger numbers due to rampant hunting, poaching, and habitat destruction. From just nine reserves covering 9,115 km² in 1973, the program has grown to 58 reserves spanning over 75,796 km², accounting for 2.3% of India’s land area. The NTCA, formed in 2005, oversees these reserves, implementing robust anti-poaching measures, habitat restoration, and community engagement to ensure the survival of the Royal Bengal Tiger (Panthera tigris tigris).

The 2022 census, conducted every four years, estimates India’s tiger population between 3,167 and 3,925, with an average of 3,682. This represents a 24% increase from the 2018 count of 2,967, driven by advanced monitoring techniques like camera traps and the M-STrIPES (Monitoring System for Tigers-Intensive Protection and Ecological Status) software. Madhya Pradesh leads with 785 tigers, followed by Karnataka (563), Uttarakhand (560), and Maharashtra (444). Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand hosts the highest number of tigers among reserves, with 260, followed by Bandipur (150) and Nagarhole (141).

Challenges: Poaching and Habitat Loss

Despite this progress, tigers face significant threats. Poaching, driven by illegal international demand for tiger parts, remains a critical issue, with 123 poaching cases reported between 2012 and 2017. Habitat loss and fragmentation, fueled by agricultural expansion, infrastructure development, and human encroachment, have reduced tiger habitats, particularly outside reserves. The NTCA notes that 35% of tiger reserves require enhanced protection and habitat restoration, with 22 reserves hosting fewer than 10 tigers, and three—Buxa, Dampa, and Palamu—reporting none.

The 2022 census highlighted uneven tiger distribution, with 40% of tigers concentrated in just six reserves, including Corbett, Bandipur, and Nagarhole. Invasive species, mining, and low prey bases further threaten tiger populations, particularly in regions like Odisha and the Northeast, where local extinctions have occurred. The NTCA emphasizes the need for stronger wildlife corridors and prey augmentation to maintain genetic diversity and mitigate human-tiger conflicts.

India’s Global Conservation Leadership

India’s conservation efforts have earned international acclaim, achieving the 2010 St. Petersburg Declaration goal of doubling tiger numbers by 2022. The country has adopted the Conservation Assured | Tiger Standards (CA|TS) framework across all reserves, with 14—including Kaziranga, Bandipur, and Sundarbans—receiving international accreditation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s launch of the International Big Cat Alliance in 2023 further strengthens India’s commitment to conserving seven big cat species, including tigers, leopards, and cheetahs.

The NTCA’s initiatives, such as the Special Tiger Protection Force and village relocations from critical tiger habitats, have been pivotal. Tamil Nadu, for instance, has seenkeyboard_arrow_right seenremarkable fourfold increase, from 76 tigers in 2006 to 306 in 2023.

A Model for the Future

India’s tiger conservation success is a testament to collaborative efforts between the NT–

CA, state forest departments, and wildlife NGOs. The use of advanced technology, like camera traps and GPS, has enhanced monitoring accuracy, while community awareness campaigns help reduce human-wildlife conflicts. Union Minister Bhupender Yadav announced plans to plant over 100,000 saplings across tiger reserves to bolster habitats, reinforcing India’s commitment to ecological balance.

As India celebrates 52 years of Project Tiger, the nation’s efforts not only safeguard the Royal Bengal Tiger but also protect ecosystems vital for biodiversity. With ongoing challenges, experts stress the need for expanded reserves and stricter regulations to sustain this growth and ensure the tiger’s survival for future generations.

By Bharat Tone Staff
Keywords: India tiger population, Project Tiger, National Tiger Conservation Authority, tiger census 2022, tiger conservation, wildlife preservation, Royal Bengal Tiger, tiger reserves India, poaching, habitat loss